LAID-OFF NICHOLAS CO. MINER WINS $50,000

7/22/2010

Keith Keiffer, 29, a laid-off Nicholas County miner with three children, has won $50,000 playing the West Virginia Lottery’s instant game Platinum Payout, according to Lottery Director John Musgrave.

The Calvin resident said he bought his winning ticket from Sunny Spot Sunoco in Lookout, only to get sticker shock at the pump. “I bought the ticket when I pre-paid, so was scratching it off while I was pumping the gas . . . I looked and scratched and looked and scratched, and about that time I quit pumping gas to go back inside to ask them to tell me I wasn’t looking at it wrong.”

Keiffer said his children have wanted a beach trip that he couldn’t afford until now. “In addition, I’ll probably be able to pay off our home. This just couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Musgrave said that of the eight top $50,000 prizes offered in Platinum Payout, five remain to be claimed.